By Dennis Shin '96
Ithaca Mayor Alan Cohen '81 speaks at the Student Assembly meeting Feb. 22 at Willard Straight Hall. Charles Harrington/University Photography
By Dennis Shin '96
At the Feb. 22 meeting of the Student Assembly in the Willard Straight Memorial Room, Ithaca Mayor Alan Cohen '81 spoke about "a new era of cooperation" between the university and the local community.
Invited to address the student-elected body by Assembly President Stacy Benson '96, Cohen fielded questions from Assembly representatives and other students. It was the new mayor's first appearance before the Student Assembly since he took office in January.
Making several references to his Cornell ties as an alumnus, Cohen emphasized the "symbiotic relationship" he sees between the university and the city.
"We have obligations to each other, but I want to point out that Cornell can contribute to the health and vitality of the city, because putting into the community is also putting into Cornell," Cohen said.
He described various strategies for strengthening city -Cornell ties while balancing mutual interests. One idea he proposed was the integration of community service into the university's curriculum. He cited programs at other univer sities that offer academic credit to students who volunteer off campus.
Mentioning plans to extend parking meters along Oak Avenue and possibly to implement a residential parking permit system, Cohen fielded questions about the shortage of parking in areas surrounding campus. He told Assembly members that, while finding parking for commuters isn't the obligation of the city, he does want to ensure that all residents -- including student residents -- have reasonable access to parking in areas like Collegetown.
Other topics addressed by the mayor, in a freewheeling discussion, included the quality of public education in Ithaca, concerns about the local drug problem and the opposition Cornell has faced to its Sage Hall renovation plan -- a plan which Cohen said he supports.
The mayor made an appeal to students to take advantage of his self-described "open-door policy" and asked that students "come down and see me in City Hall."
Reaction among members of the Student Assembly was generally positive. Agriculture and Life Sciences Represen tative Jim Papa '96 said he was excited about the new relationship with city government.
"Cohen's vision is more defined, and he seems to be more open to cooperation and understanding," Papa said.
Assembly President Benson said Cohen's visit served as
an example of the conversations that help build a more long -term relationship, and he said he hopes Cohen will return to meet with the Assembly next semester.
"It was important to establish this dialogue, because the Student Assembly as a body needs more insight into what's going on in the community around us," Benson added.
Cohen agreed about the importance of his administra tion maintaining relations with the student government at Cornell, and he stressed that such contact could serve as an effective way for the student community to bring their concerns to his attention.
"It's a good start. This line of communication hasn't really existed like this before, and I'd be willing to keep coming back," Cohen said.